Stoke City striker James Beattie expects to lead the front line against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend despite suffering a head injury against Newcastle last week.

 

The transfer window signing has started to show his worth in recent weeks and is determined to carry on playing through the pain. Beattie received the knock courtesy of Sebastien Bassong’s elbow, a connection which the striker believes was deliberate. However, his main concern would appear to be his appearance on the pitch itself. “I don't know if I'll have to wear something to protect it. I'll have a word with the physio and he'll probably have me wearing something stupid!" said Beattie.

Another player with real desire to wear the red and white stripes is Liam Lawrence and he has praised the fans at the Britannia, promising that the players want to reward the fans with Premier League survival. "I love the fans, they are fantastic," he said "They have been great to me in my time here and I really hope we can give them what they deserve which is another season of Premier League football.”